It’s summer and the livin’ is easy especially when we have stellar wines in the glass and music in the background. Earlier this season, I participated in the Wine Writer’s Educational Tour (WWET) in Sonoma County. There, our group explored and discovered the beauty of the region, wines that begged to be sipped, and stories of family tradition punctuated with honor and a contemporary outlook. Certainly, I’ll write more about the experiences, but for now, how about pre-gaming with four Sonoma County wines that I love and the Grape Experiences | Summer Happy Hour Playlist? Follow the link below and pour the wines!
Grape Experiences | Summer Happy Hour Playlist
Summer Worthy Wines from Sonoma County to Find Now
Iron Horse 2020 Classic Vintage Brut ($58) was the perfect pour to begin one of our events during which we met and broke bread with the legends of Sonoma County. Considered the flagship of Iron Horse’s sparkling wine, the Vintage Brut ticks the boxes of what the family intends: quality, finesse, and a true reflection of the terroir of Sonoma County, Russian River, Green Valley and of course, Iron Horse.
If precision winemaking is their modus operandi, then this beauty offered just that. In the glass, persistent bubbles prevailed and on the nose, I found juicy apple, fresh bread, and hint of honeysuckle. The wine was a delight with more green apple and florals on the palate. Vibrant acidity coupled with a creamy texture and lingering finish were memorable
One of my favorite Chardonnays of late is Donum Year of the Ox Carneros Chardonnay 2021 ($80). One of our visits during WWET was to the winery for a master class in which we took a deep dive into the styles of Sonoma Chardonnay. Not only is the Donum property a showstopper (read more HERE), but the wines are, too, thanks in part to the winemaking style and regenerative farming in the vineyards. This particular selection truly mirrors the Carneros region which bridges Napa and Sonoma counties. Elegant all around, aromas of lemon custard, peach jam, and vanilla were mesmerizing. The palate was rife with minerality and elements of orange peel and hint of ginger were lifted with bright acidity. The lasting finish was incredibly refreshing. Consider cellaring the wine until 2032 (if you can!).
Celebrate summer with a bottle of 2023 Ridge Lytton Estate Rose ($35). Of 36% Grenache, 26% Zinfandel, 15% Mataro, 14% Cinsaut, and 9% Conoise, all organically grown, this is a lipsmacking selection from Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma. Our group spent quality time at Ridge’s Sonoma location where a refreshing pour began the experience. With each vintage since 2016, when the first Lytton Estate Rose was produced, the makeup of the wine changes. What I found in the glass was a light, dry, sophisticated expression of the grapes. On the nose, I indulged in the watermelon and lime notes leading to a palate with structure, snappy acidity, and flavors of peaches, more melon, mint and even a hint of spice on the finish. More, please!
2023 Littorai The Pivot Vineyard Pinot Noir ($118) is a wine that demands to be opened and slowly savored. Our group walked a short distance from the tasting room to the vineyards where we were offered a splash of this graceful wine. Truly a selection to appreciate, the Pinot Noir exudes quiet elegance with each sip. Complex, textured and concentrated, I noted tart cherries, black tea and hint of bramble on the nose. The flavors, on a foundation of moderate acidity and tannins, were of baking spice and freshly picked blackberries and cherries. Just wow – this wine can be enjoyed now or held for a few more years. The word “Littorai” is latin for “coast” and indicated where the winery is found.
Please follow the links above for more details about each winery. And stay tuned for further articles about the WWET experience so you can plan your own visit to Sonoma County!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
